Maybe you need to find a new hospitality job as soon as you can, or perhaps you’re happy in your current job but open to a great opportunity if it comes your way…

Whatever your circumstances, being a job hunting pro means more than putting together a resume and occasionally looking at open positions. If you’re serious about getting ahead and advancing your career in the hospitality industry, you need to stay informed about new opportunities, be ready at all times with an updated, impressive resume and cover letter, and use all of the tools available to you to stay plugged into the fast-paced hospitality job market.

Hcareers.com is the leading job website in the hospitality industry, so knowing how to use all of our features is key to becoming a better, more competitive job candidate.

Here are 5 ways to use Hcareers if you want to be a stronger candidate and boost your chances of getting noticed by the right employer:

1. Resume tips

• Upload multiple resumes: When you register on Hcareers and create your profile, you have the option to upload up to six different resumes. Depending on the position or department you’re applying to, you’ll want to customize your resume to that opening. So, take advantage of this feature and upload all versions of your resume to Hcareers. Then, when you find a job posting that looks interesting to you, you’ll be able to apply right then and there without having to create a new version of your resume tailored to that position. It’s a much faster, more convenient way to apply, so you can keep your focus on job hunting without feeling like you’re constantly revising your resume each time you apply.
• Provide as much info as you can: When creating your candidate profile on Hcareers, be sure to fill out the template of questions and the form fields that we give you as well as upload your own resume documents. The more complete your profile, the easier it will be for employers to determine if you’re a good fit for the job.
• Make your resume searchable: When you apply for a job on Hcareers, you have the option to make your resume searchable for employers who are looking for people with your skills or background. Always leave this box checked “yes.” Likewise, you should also make sure your resume is optimized with the right keywords for the position, sector, or department you’re interested in so that employers will have an easier time finding it.

2. To cover letter or not to cover letter?

In short, always cover letter. Although some employers may not require a cover letter, it’s still best practice and industry standard to include one, even if it’s just a short note introducing your resume. Hcareers provides a quick and easy apply button for jobs where you can upload your resume directly to the job posting. When you upload your resume, you’re also asked if you’d like to include a note with your application. Check “yes” and include a brief, yet powerful, a cover letter there.

3. Stay Mobile

Never miss a great job opportunity even when you’re on the go. Enjoy all of the desktop features on the Hcareers mobile app, such as a same-page application, easy sharing, saving for later, and access to all of our career advice content and job search tips. Download the Hcareers app for iPhone or Android.

4. Alert!

Stay informed about new job opportunities in your field or area with the Hcareers Job Alerts. When you search for a job on our site, you’ll have the option to “Create an Alert” for that search, then you’ll receive regular emails updating you on the most relevant jobs for your search. Create alerts for your most frequent searches so you never miss a great opportunity!

5. Get Advice

Hcareers is more than just a job site, we also provide original, hospitality-focused career advice for all career levels and stages, from entry-level to executive. Our topics range from the resume, cover letter, and interviewing tips to salary and career pathing advice. We also provide in-depth information about specific career paths within hospitality, so this is the perfect place to learn how to be the best hospitality professional at any stage in your career.